Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆) – One of China's Finest Museums

The Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆), situated on the south side of People's Square, is one of the greatest museums in China and among the top museums in Asia. It houses an outstanding collection of nearly 150,000 works of ancient Chinese art, spanning five thousand years of civilisation.

Collection Highlights

• Ancient Bronzes (青铜器) – One of the world's finest collections, with over 400 pieces spanning 1,500 years from the Shang to Han dynasties.
• Ancient Ceramics (陶瓷器) – Over 500 pieces tracing the evolution of Chinese ceramics from primitive pottery to Song Dynasty porcelain.
• Painting (中国历代书画) – Masterworks of Chinese landscape painting, calligraphy, and figure painting.
• Jade (玉器) – Exquisite carved jade pieces ranging from Neolithic bi discs to Qing Dynasty decorative objects.
• Coins (历代货币) – 7,000 ancient coins, from cowrie shells to paper currency, tracing the history of Chinese commerce.
• Furniture (明清家具) – Ming and Qing Dynasty hardwood furniture in beautifully recreated period room settings.

Visiting Tips

• Admission is free (reservations required online via the official website)
• Allow at least 2–3 hours to see the major galleries
• Audio guides available in English, Japanese, French, and German
• Museum shop on the ground floor has excellent replicas and art books

Opening Hours & Location

• Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–17:00; closed Mondays (open on public holidays)
• 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District
• Metro: Line 1/2/8, People's Square (人民广场) Station

Book a Shanghai Museum Tour

Shanghai Airport Transfer can arrange a private city tour with a museum visit and English-speaking guide. View Shanghai day tours →